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04-01-1987 MinutesBOARD OF SUPERVISORS MIN0'I'gS April 1, 1987 Supervisors in Attendance: Mr. Harry G. Daniel, Chairman Mr. Jesse J. Mayes, Vice Chairman Mr. G. H. Applegate Mr. R. Garland Dodd Mrs. Joan Girone Mr. Richard L. Hedrick County Administrator 87-222 Staff in Attendance: Mr. Stanley Balderson, Dir., Econ. Develop. Mr. N. E. Carmichael, Comm. of Revenue Mrs. Doris DeHart, Legislative Coord. Mr. William Diggs, Real Estate Assessor Mrs. Joan Dolezal, Clerk to the Board Chief Robert Eanes, Fire Department Mr. James Gillentine, Nursing Home Admin. Mr. Bradford S. Hammer, Asst. Co. Admin. Ms. Alice Heffner, Youth Svcs. Coord. Mr. Robert Hodder, Building Official Mr. William Howell, Dir., Gen. Services Mr. Thomas Jacobson, Dir. of Planning Dr. Burt Lowe, Dir., Mental Health/Retard. Mr. Robert Masden, Asst. Co. Admin. for Human Services Mr. Richard McElfish, Dir. of Env. Eng. Mr. R. J. McCracken, Transp. Director Mr. Steve Micas, Co. Attorney Mrs. Pauline Mitchell, Dir. of News/Info. Services Col. Joseph Pittman, Chief of Police Mr. Lane Ramsey, Asst. Co. Admin. for Budget and Staffing Mr. Richard Sale, Asst. Co. Admin. for Development Ms. Jean Smith, Dir. of Social Services Mr. M. D. Stith, Jr., Dir. of Parks & Rec. Mr. Robert Wagenknecht, Dir. of Libraries Mr. David Welchons, Dir. of Utilities Mr. Frederick Willis, Dir. of Human Resources Management Mr. H. Louis Zammett, Dir. of Internal Audit Mr. Daniel called the meeting to order at the Crosswinds Restaurant at the County Airport Conference Room at 5:00 p.m. (EST) . 1. EXECUTIVE SESSION On motion of Mr. Applegate, seconded by Mr. Dodd, the Board suspended the rules to add to existing Item 1., consultation with legal counsel regarding Brown Boveri Company versus Chesterfield County, pursuant to Section 2.1-344(a) (6) of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. Vote: Unanimous On motion of Mr. Dodd, seconded by Mr. Mayes, the Board went into Executive Session for consultation with legal counsel to discuss a Prospective Business or Industry Where No Previous Announcement Has Been Made of the Business' or Industry"s Interest in Locating in the Community, and Brown Boveri Company versus Chesterfield County, pursuant to Sections 2.1-344 (a) (4) and (6), respectively, of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended; and adopted the agenda, as amended. Vote: Unanimous Reconvening: The Board recessed at the Crosswinds Restaurant for dinner. Reconvening: Mr. Daniel called the regularly scheduled meeting to order at the Courthouse at 7:00 p.m. (EST). 2. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ~TJ.EGIANCE ~O ~ FLAG OF THE [[NITED STATES OF AMERICA Mr. Daniel gave the invocation and led those in attendance in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Mr. Daniel welcomed citizens to the meeting and expressed the Board's appreciation for their interest in local government. He stated this date and time had been advertised for a public hearing on the annual tax levy on various classes of property for the County, proration of tangible personal property taxes, the license tax on motor vehicles, the utility tax on telephone service, the consumer utilities tax, subdivision/zoning/site plan review fees, building and related permit fees, fees for the confinement of dogs, and the proposed 1987-88 financial plan. He stated citizens could address any or all of these issues and they would be called according to the order of the sign-up sheets and in sequence with the agenda. He stated the Board was present to hear public concerns and comments and did not intend to take any formal action on these issues at this time. Mr. Lane Ramsey stated the proposed budget is balanced and has been prepared in accordance with stated objectives of the Board of Supervisors, which are: 1.) maintain the current tax rate structure; 2.) maintain service levels which insure a high quality of life for Chesterfield residents; 3.) provide compensation to County employees at market rates; 4.) promote Chesterfield as a regional partner; 5.) continue to negotiate 87-223 sharing of expenses related to growth between the County and development community; 6.) fairly allocate resources among competing demands; 7.) maintain a fund balance of 5% of the General Fund expenditures; 8.) establish education and public safety as priorities in the delivery of services; 9.) implement a capital improvements program; 10.) promote economic development to maintain, improve the current residential/ business tax ratio; and 11.) continue policy on a case by case basis whereby the County will not assume responsibility for reductions in Federal and State funding. He stated the proposed County budget totals $308,121,200, including the County's General Fund, School Operating Fund, Airport Fund, Nursing Home Fund, Utilities Funds and Vehicle and Communications Operating Funds. He stated the proposed budget for the County's General Fund totals $169,556,000 and includes $12.7 million in new revenues for 1988. He stated it proposes the use of the new revenues for School Operations and Debt ($8,000,000); General Government Salary Adjustments ($2,500,000); Programs Added During 1986-87 ($1,100,000), which are offset primarily by additional revenue from fees; All Other Increases ($800,000); and Added to Fund Balance ($300,000). He stated a total of $13.4 million in additional funding was requested for critical needs but was not funded due to limited funding. He stated funding is requested for: the proposed School Board budget, to upgrade the County's mainframe computer system, eight Police officers and six Emergency Service dispatchers, four additional Police officers to implement the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program in the County's school system; to replace the raised flooring in the County Communication Center; a Staff Officer position in the Fire Department as well as an Emergency Medical Training Coordinator position, additional firemen for the Matoaca Fire Station, to continue building a self-insurance reserve for the County; the Clerk of the Circuit Court for improvements in the Court's Case Management System; and additional funding to raise County salaries to market rates. He stated these critical addback items, in conjunction with others, were discussed by the Board at a work session on March 11, 1987, and as a result the Board decided to advertise and receive public comment on potential additional revenue sources, which included an increase in the real estate tax rate from $1.04 per $100 value to $1.08 per $100 value, which would generate $2,480,00 in additional revenue; an increase in the machinery and tools tax rate from $1.00 per $100 assessed value to $2.00 per $100 assessed value, which would generate $2,437,00 in additional revenue; implementation of proration of personal property taxes, which would generate $476,000 to revenues in 1988 and $1.5-$2 million in 1989; implementation of a consumer utility tax on electric and telephone services in the County at a maximum rate of $2.00 per month per utility for residential service and a maximum rate of $10.00 per month per utility for business, which would generate approximately $3,047,000 in new revenue. He stated the following tax and fee adjustments were also advertised for public hearing and said adjustments are included in the proposed budget: increase the vehicle license tax on motor vehicles weighing between 4,000 and 6,000 pounds from $20 to $25, which would generate $150,000 in additional revenue; increase the 911 fee on the telephone service from $.15 per month per telephone to $.30 per month per telephone to offset the actual cost related to the 911 service, which would generate $163,000 in new revenue; increase fees related to reviewing and processing subdivision plats, zoning applications and site plans to offset the cost of providing these services; which would generate $445,000 in additional revenue; increase building permit fees to offset the cost of providing these related services, which would generate $118,00 in additional revenue; and increase boarding fees for the confinement of dogs at the County kennel from $10 to $20 for 87-224 the first day and $5 to $10 for each additional day, which would generate $15,000 in additional revenue. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.A. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH THE ANNUAL TAX LEVY ON VARIOUS CLASSES OF PROPERTY FOR THE COUNTY OF CHESTERFIELD Mr. Daniel stated this date and time had been advertised for a public hearing to consider an ordinance to establish the annual tax levy on various classes of property for the County of Chesterfield. Mr. Buck Moody, representing Allied Signal Corporation - Chesterfield Plant, stated he was present as spokesperson for several major industries located within the County who were present to voice opposition to a tax increase in the machinery and tool tax. He stated this opposition is based on cost increases to the industries, as well as the negative message it conveys to those future companies considering locating in County in the future. He stated local industries wish to reaffirm their commitment to the community as the companies are of long tenure and consider themselves to be good corporate citizens and equally concerned about the services provided for their employees. He stated, collectively, the companies employ 8,976 people, not including their dependents, many of whom live in Chesterfield County. He stated an arbitrary and irresponsible proposed increase of this magnitude and the tax base does little to assist these industries in sustaining the long-term security of their employees or those employees of the auxiliary businesses which support directly or indirectly their manufacturing facilities. He stated it is important that the Board reflect on the relationship between the general fiscal health of the basic industries and all of those persons who make a living in support of these industries. He stated these companies are multi-national companies, competing in a world market, and the options for management to maintain, to expand production facilities are numerous and decisions are made to locate to expand new facilities where tax rates are reasonable, labor wages are representative of the competitive market, etc. He stated it is not only an issue of parity with local surrounding taxing jurisdictions but of attracting new industry to the County, thereby generating revenues from an expanded base as opposed to overtaxing the existing base. He stated they have a vested interest in the Board's decision, as the companies he is representing have total payrolls of $335,000,000 annually, have invested $546,000,000 of capital, pay $1.95 million to the County annually in machinery and tool taxes and another $1.9 million in real property taxes; etc., which is a clear indication that economic development is the correct course to chart for increased revenues for the County. He stated industries face not only strong foreign competition at reduced labor rates but also competition among themselves in their own industries, in their own companies and the facilities are built where the labor rates are low, competitive and tax rates realistic. He stated industry faces the upcoming year not knowing the results of major increases in costs resulting from the recently enacted Federal tax reforms and no one is certain what the burden will be. He stated investment credits have been reduced, the cost of inventories will bear more costs that in the past, the excelerated methods of depreciation must be used as opposed to conventional methods, all of which represent a real and significant threat to industry. He stated industry is asking the Board's assistance in making it possible to reaffirm their commitment to the County, which will only be possible by a cooperative State and County posture which promotes business endeavors and conveys a clear message to future business developers to locate within the County. He stated they feel that such action is in the best interest of their companies and employees and, for this reason, are asking 87-225 that the Board oppose any increases in the machinery and tools taxes. Mr. Daniel disclosed to the Board that he is employed by Philip Morris, USA, as manager of Processing Planning which is directly responsible for many of the planning activities of Park 500. He stated he has discussed this matter with the Commonwealth's Attorney and was advised that he could participate not only in the discussion but also in the voting on this issue; however, to avoid any concerns of impropriety he will declare a conflict of interest, pursuant to the Virginia Comprehensive Conflict of Interest Act, and will not vote on the matter for an increase when it is before the Board for a final vote. Mrs. Girone inquired if Mr. Moody, or any member of his group, would address the issue of a consumer utility tax which would be addressed later in the meeting. Mr. Moody stated his group had not planned to address the consumer utility tax as they had met hurriedly and focused only on what they considered issues of major importance to them. Mr. Del Altizer, with the DuPont Company of Wilmington, Delaware, supported Mr. Moody's comments, stated DuPont wished to go on record opposing an increase in the machinery and tool tax as it would cost them approximately $1,000,000 per year in additional taxes and feels such an increase is an unfair burden to place on one company. He stated they are not opposed to an increase in real estate tax, if the Board should decided to increase that. Mr. Jack Kenny, representing Brown Boveri Company; Mr. Carl Williams, representing Reynolds Metals Company; Mr. Warren Thompson, representing Tarmac-Lone Star; Mr. Don Barcia, representing The American Tobacco Company; and Mr. Garland Shelton, representing The American Tobacco Company concurred with and supported Mr. Moody's statements/comments regarding the proposed machinery and tools tax increase. Mr. Troy W. Castleberry voiced opposition to the proposed real estate property tax increase, as he felt these taxes have been increased enough. He stated it is difficult to maintain and/or improve a home in an area where real estate taxes increase on a continuing basis. Mr. Charles Ellis, representing the Greenfield Elementary School PTA, voiced unanimous support of the general membership of the PTA for the proposed 1987-88 School Budget. He urged the Board to provide to the School Division the money that the School Board has requested to operate the schools in 1988 and also urged the Board to place a school bond issue on the fall ballot so that the anticipated capital needs of the next six years can be met. He stated one of the reasons for the increasing demands upon the County budget is that people move to Chesterfield to place their children in this quality school system and must provide new schools to accommodate the ever-increasing population of school age children, as well as maintain/upgrade the existing facilities. He stated the County has one of the finest School systems in the State and there is no reason to deemphasize education. He stated public schools are vital to the future of the nation as well as to that of the County and they are willing to pay more taxes to support public education. Mr. Sam Epes stated no new taxes should be imposed, that departmental budget requests should be kept in proper context and trimmed where possible, there should be better communication among the formulators of the School System budget, that better planning for school structures could be implemented, etc. He voiced opposition to the proposed real estate and consumer utility taxes but stated he could support proration, provided implementation would require no new staff. He stated Chesterfield County is unique in that it does not 87-226 have a consumer utility tax and he felt it should remain that way. Mr. Jerry Harwell, a resident of Chester, voiced concerns relative to the consumer utility tax, as he did not feel the County had the right to tax such services unless it intended to provide him with better utilities services. He stated he would have to pay these taxes on both his residence and business. He voiced opposition to the proposed real estate tax increase, as he felt his property tax is excessive and such assessment occurs too frequently, stated he was glad to see that the County wanted to make the trash collection service self-supporting and voiced support for proration provided it would generate increased revenue and the County could implement it without additional staff. Mr. Richard Mayberry voiced opposition to the proposed real estate and automobile taxes, as he is on a limited income, is in ill health and cannot afford these tax increases. Mr. Castleberry opposed a fee for refuse collection once a month. Mr. Dodd stated he had received a letter from Reynolds Aluminum, ICI Americas Inc., Brown Boveri Power Equipment, Inc., Allied Fibers - Technical Plant, The American Tobacco Company, and Allied Fibers - Chesterfield Plant opposing the machinery and tool tax and wished those letters entered into the record. There being no one else to address the proposed machinery and tool tax increase, Mr. Daniel closed the public hearing. 3.B. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE COUNTY OF CHESTERFIELD, 1978, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING AND REENACTING SECTION 8-13 AND ADDING SECTIONS 8-13.01, 8-13.02 AND 8-13.03 RELATING TO PRORATION OF TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES Mr. Daniel stated this date and time had been advertised for a public hearing to consider an ordinance to amend the Code of the County by amending and reenacting Section 8-13 and adding Sections 8-13.01, 8-13.02 and 8-13.03 relating to the proration of tangible personal property taxes. No one came forward to speak in favor of or against this issue. There being no one to address the proposed proration of tangible personal property taxes, Mr. Daniel closed the public hearing. 3.C. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE COUNTY OF CHESTERFIELD, 1978, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING AND REENACTING SECTION 14.1-19 RELATING TO LICENSE TAX ON MOTOR VEHICLES Mr. Daniel stated this date and time had been advertised for a public hearing to consider an ordinance to amend the Code of the County by amending and reenacting Section 14.1-19 relating to the license tax on motor vehicles. There was no one present to address this issue. There being no one to address the proposed license tax on motor vehicles, Mr. Daniel closed the public hearing. 87-227 3.D. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE COUNTY OF CHESTERFIELD, 1978, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING AND REENACTING SECTION 8-38 RELATING TO THE UTILITY TAX ON TELEPHONE SERVICE Mr. Daniel stated this date and time had been advertised for a public hearing to consider an ordinance to amend the Code of the County by amending and reenacting Section 8-38 relating to the utility tax on telephone service (9-1-1). Mr. Richard Mayberry voiced opposition to the proposed utility tax on telephone service. Mr. Sam Epes reiterated his statement that Chesterfield County is unique is that it does not have a utility tax and added if he felt this would be a negative factor for businesses considering locating in Chesterfield. Mr. Daniel clarified that this particular ordinance deals with the Emergency 9-1-1 fee. Mr. Charles E. Jackson, a resident of Chester, expressed his appreciation for the many hours the Board members expend for the County and its residents. He stated at the request of the American Association of Retired Persons he has been asked by a unanimous vote to speak against the proposed real estate and utility tax increases and to request that the Board hold the line on the proposed budget to the estimated $12,700,000. He stated perhaps management could manage its resources more efficiently and effectively and it would not be necessary to consider tax increases to balance the budget. Ms. Dorothy Armstrong, a resident of Chester, voiced opposition to the proposed consumer utility tax, particularly the telephone tax. She stated it is all too easy to forget that there are people in need of assistance who find it very difficult to pay essential telephone and electrical bills at the present time and questioned why must the essential services always be the ones that are selected for tax increases. She stated it appears to her that these taxes that are unfair to those people who too often have the least ability to pay for them. She stated there should be an awareness as to the needs of these people, as well as the financial resources of those who have critical mental health needs, social services needs, nursing home needs to serve the elderly in the County, etc., and urged the Board to look favorable upon the request in the proposed budget for the Nursing Home facility. She stated she felt Chesterfield County is arriving at a critical time in its development in terms of serving the population in all its different facets and deriving a financial structure that the people find difficult to support. Mr. Otis Patton stated proposing so many tax increases at one time is overwhelming. He stated he felt government should be able to operate with the same taxes as it has had over the years. He expressed concerns regarding raising taxes to make certain programs self-supporting, the need to make all programs self-supporting by charging fees for utilizing the service (parks, athletic fields, etc). He stated government should finds ways to save money as well as postpone items until they can afford them. There being no one else to address a utility tax on telephone service, Mr. Daniel closed the public hearing. 3.E. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE COUNTY OF CHESTERFIELD, 1978, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING AND REENACTING CHAPTER 8, BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE X RELATING TO CONSUMER UTILITIES TAXES Mr. Daniel stated this date and time had been advertised for a public hearing to consider an ordinance to amend the Code of 87-228 the County by amending and reenacting Chapter 8, by adding a new Article X relating to consumer utilities taxes. He noted people had spoken on this issue previously and those comments would also be considered. Mr. Troy Castleberry voiced opposition to the proposed consumer utilities tax. Mr. Otis Patton stated sewer and water tax rates were already increased last year and he did not feel it necessary to do so again. Mr. Daniel clarified that this proposal referred to a consumer utilities tax on telephone and electric services. Mr. Richard Mayberry voice opposition to the proposed consumer utilities tax as he cannot afford to pay more taxes due to ill health and limited income. There being no one else to address the consumer utilities taxes, Mr. Daniel closed the public hearing. 3.F. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE COUNTY OF CHESTERFIELD, 1978, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING SECTIONS 18-11, 21-9, 21-67.9 AND 21-77 RELAT- ING TO SUBDIVISION, ZONING AND SITE PLAN REVIEW FEES Mr. Daniel stated this date and time had been advertised for a public hearing to consider an ordinance to amend the Code of the County by amending Sections 18-11, 21-9, 21-67.9 and 21-77 relating to subdivision, zoning and site plan review fees. Mr. Sale explained the purpose of the proposed ordinance amendment is to raise fees in the development review section to cover the costs of new positions which are necessary due to increased workloads, as well as to place the Development Review section of Planning and Environmental Engineering on a self-sustaining basis. He stated the fees were structured in such a way that the various activities within the fees would cover the amount of time that each of those activities requires of staff in terms of the review. Mr. Delmonte Lewis, Chairman of the Legislative Committee for the Homebuilders Association, stated the association feels this issue is of such a critical nature that it should be remanded to the Planning Commission for further study; however, should the Board decide not to take such action, the Homebuilding committee has suggested the following recommendations for consideration: speed up review time, to set a deadline of thirty (30) days from the time a plan, such as a tentative plan or site plan, is submitted until the time that plan comes before either the Planning Commission or is approved by the Administration (this also would apply hopefully to zoning cases); originate a staff/developer conference prior to Planning Commission meeting or site plan/subdivision reviews; expand renewal time period for tentative subdivision plans to more than just one (1) year, possibly 2, 3 or 5 year renewal; suggest that staff make reports more concise which would permit them to spend more time on other matters; allow more plans to be approved by staff and not come before the Planning Commission; limit final check plan on subdivisions to two (2) week time period, with an in-office check only. He stated they are not strictly opposed to the fees as they are 87-229 to the time delays sometimes involved in the process. He extended appreciation to staff for the opportunity to contribute to this matter. Mr. F. A. Glover, the Executive Officer with the Homebuilders Association of Southside, voiced support of Mr. Lewis' comments and statements. Mr. Larry W. Roberson stated he felt the County's growth pattern should be changed, in that if high density development were limited, problems of overcrowding in the schools, the need for more school buildings, traffic congestion, poor road network, etc., would be reduced. He stated he felt the County is attempting to achieve a city tax rate. There being no one else to address the subdivision, zoning and site plan review fees, Mr. Daniel closed the public hearing. 3.G. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE COUNTY OF CHESTERFIELD, 1978, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING AND REENACTING SECTION 6-4 RELATING TO BUILDING AND RELATED PERMIT FEES Mr. Daniel stated this date and time had been advertised for a public hearing to consider an ordinance to amend and reenact Section 6-4 relating to building and related permit fees. No one was present to address this issue. There being no one to address this issue, Mr. Daniel closed the public hearing. 3.H. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE COUNTY OF CHESTERFIELD, 1978, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING AND REENACTING SECTION 5-8 RELATING TO FEES FOR THE CONFINEMENT OF DOGS Mr. Daniel stated this date and time had been advertised for a public hearing to consider an ordinance to amend and reenact Section 5-8 relating to fees for the confinement of dogs. Mr. Richard Mayberry expressed concerns regarding an operational control problem at the animal shelter. Mr. Daniel stated Mr. Hammer could assist him with that issue. There being no one else to address the fees for confinement of dogs, Mr. Daniel closed the public hearing. Mr. Daniel stated he had received several letters from the Chesterfield Business Council stating their views on numerous tax issues and he wished those letters entered into the public record. It was generally agreed the Board would recess for five (5) minutes. Reconvening: 3.I. PROPOSED 1987-88 FINANCIAL PLAN Mr. Daniel stated this date and time had been advertised for a public hearing to consider the proposed 1987-88 Financial Plan. Mr. Larry Buchanan provided brief background information on the Chesterfield Action Council/Drug Abuse Task Force and listed the following as the formally adopted recommendations of the Task Force for this program: 87-230 1.) maintain the DARE program at its present level, including the newly opened elementary schools, as this program is considered an essential element of intervention/prevention in the school system; 2.) support the hiring of an additional police officer for drug enforcement; 3.) supports full funding for existing program, presently conducted through Mental Health/Mental Retardation, which provides drug abuse counseling to provide intervention and after/care program services in the high schools; 4.) supports full funding of one additional Mental Health/Mental Retardation staff position to enable the expansion of the Solve That Problem (STP) program from the current 14 to 30 elementary schools in the upcoming year, which cost would be approximately $28,000; and funding for the Task Force Administration Budget in the amount of $4,000. He stated one of the purposes of the Task Force will be to review all of the programs in the County and ensure that the Board is not duplicating efforts with monies from department to department. Mr. Vincent Burgess, co-chairman of the Chesterfield Citizens for the Retarded, stated the organization seeks to improve the quality of life of the mentally retarded citizens of the County and are present to share their concerns regarding the Chapter 10 Maintenance Budget and to address the residential services component of the budget. He stated he hoped the group's presentation would persuade the Board that the County needs to take positive action to go beyond this maintenance budget. Mr. Timothy Welsh stated he is co-chairman of the Chesterfield Citizens for the Retarded and is the step-parent of a 14 year old retarded child who attends Swift Creek Middle School. He stated one of his step-daughter's concerns is being able to find herself outside of her school situation in appropriate places where she can mix and eventually, in the future, live with her peers. He stated the issue of residences for the mentally retarded, in addition to other issues, needs to be addressed, as most of the statistics and information recently accumulated by the CCR are woeful understatements. He stated the CCR reviewed the five year plan of MH/MR and how they intend to meet that need and the overall budgetary situation for the upcoming year with a maintenance budget and feel that a maintenance budget, with such a growing need is not really maintenance - it is regressing, at least in proportion to the need. Mr. Robert Meuthing stated he is a member of the Chesterfield Citizens for the Retarded and President of Omega Corporation of Chesterfield. He stated CCR is requesting that $101,900 be added to the Community Services Budget for 1987-88, which funding would included $31,000 in start-up costs and $70,900 in operating costs for a new group home for five mentally retarded adults. He stated Omega Corporation has completed purchase of the new group home and failure to approve the additional funding request the Community Services Board will have to consider deferring the opening of the new group home until funds can be obtained from another source or a future County budget or attain funds for opening the new group home by cutting funds for existing programs and services, neither of which alternatives is acceptable. He stated deferring the opening of the group home would probably result in foreclosure on the home and years of effort will have been wasted and cutting services/program will adversely impact citizens currently be provided critically needed services. He stated he feels it is imperative that the new home be opened without cuts in existing programs and services and is requesting the Board 87-231 approve the additional funding for the Community Services budget. Ms. Jane Foran stated she is a parent of a 26 year old mentally retarded child who is presently at Zuni Presbyterian Training Center. She stated he is always happy to come home for a visit but is always anxious to return to his friends and peers. She expressed concerns that sufficient group home facilities are not available so her son may live in an environment conducive to his situation and what will happen to her son when his parents are no longer here. She stated her son has been on a waiting list to enter a group home for over five years and she would like to be able to see him situated there before anything happens to her or her husband. She requested the Board consider approval of the additional funding that is needed by Mental Health/Mental Retardation to provide start-up staff and operating cost for the new group home. Mr. William Lewis, a resident of Enon, stated he has two autistic children who are currently enrolled in the County school system. He expressed concern that, with the current waiting list of almost 100 individuals, by the time his children reach the age whereby they can be placed on that list, it will be in excess of those 100 individuals. He expressed concern regarding the budget for the upcoming year because if some changes are not made mental health/mental retardation services will find itself being moved further down on the list. He stated progress must be made toward both the short-term and long-term problems in this area and urged the Board to consider these needs. Ms. Helen Kane, a resident of Chesterfield County and a member of the Chesterfield Citizens for the Retarded, stated she was present to appeal for funding for staff and start-up operating costs for a new group home in the County. She stated she has a 30 year old blind, mentally retarded son whose greatest ambition is to be able to live with his friends in a supervised group home. She stated her son has been on a waiting list since 1980. She stated since life and daily expectations constantly change, it is difficult to predict how long she will be financially able to maintain her son's current program. She stated this appeal for funds to proceed with the group home will help reduce the waiting list by five persons and will also give hope and encouragement to other parents that County officials are consciously aware that they need to provide total services to all residents. She stated a healthy, progressive community does not exist solely on good roads, airport facilities, schools, child care centers and overwhelming shopping centers and fast food markets on every vacant lot. She stated there has been much talk concerning improving Mental Health/Mental Retardation services but there has been very little action. She stated savings which have resulted in the phasing down of State institutions have not been reinvested in community services but rather have been reverted to the General Fund to address State priorities and it is time elected officials stop talking and start moving up on the list of priorities for funding the much needed improved services for Mental Health/Mental Retardation and human resources. Ms. Alicia Ward, a resident of Midlothian, stated she has a seven year old son who is mentally retarded and autistic. She requested the Board consider approval of $101,900 in additional funding to the Community Services Board budget to be used for the start-up, staffing and operation of the house recently purchased by the Omega Corporation. She stated there is much concern regarding the grossly inadequate level of present services in all areas included within the MH/MR programs. She stated in six years MH/MR has not been able to open a group home, while the waiting list for residential services has more than doubled within the last two years and it would take twenty years to eliminate the existing list at a rate of five new residential placements per year beginning with the opening of the new group home. She requested the Board take a very real 87-232 positive first step to begin to meet this critical situation in the County and stated she would even urge the Board to raise taxes to have the needed financial resources for this, as well as other County needs such as education, police and fire protection and other human services. Ms. Lorayne Olson stated she actively participates in community activities, including the Chesterfield Citizens for the Retarded. She stated she is the mother of a mentally retarded child, who attends Midlothian High School and is on a residential waiting list for a group home. She requested the Board support approval of the request for additional funding for the Community Services budget for the new group home. She stated the County needs to realize that it is lacking in adequate human services for those who need them and suggested that the County needs reach out to those that cannot reach out for themselves. Ms. Carol Boisineau, Chairman of Chesterfield County Youth Services Commission, encouraged the Board to support the agencies that serve the youth population of the County; prevention services that are a priority for the youth, such as the DARE Program and the police officers necessary to continue the program; the Youth Services budget for 1988 to include additional funds for public education activities and additional funds to be allocated which would provide the Youth Services Commission with 20 hours part-time clerical support for the Youth Services Director. Mr. Sherman Litton, President of the Beulah Athletic Association and a member of the Board of the Chesterfield Baseball Club and the Chesterfield Baseball League, requested support for the Parks and Recreation Department budget. He stated as the school populations increase so does the participation in athletic programs and there is a need to fund these activities and the facilities which serve them. He expressed appreciation for the Board's past support of the athletic associations and stated he hoped it would continue in the future. He stated there is a large participation in these activities and it is growing continuously. Ms. Peggy Bendrick stated she was present to speak on behalf of Handicaps Unlimited of Richmond, which has several members who reside in Chesterfield. She expressed concern there is no transportation in the County for the handicapped and requested the Board consider what can be done to remedy the situation (i.e., GRTC and Spectran). Ms. Rose Dormundt stated she finds it very difficult to get to the services she needs to look for work because there is no public transportation in the County. She stated she personally cannot afford Spectran rates to get her where she needs to go and would hope that Chesterfield County and the City of Richmond could work out transportation mechanism to at least get bus service into the government center so the disabled can fully function in the community. Mr. Paul Jamerson stated he felt the services provided by the Parks and Recreation Department are most beneficial, enrich the life in the County and he would not like to see the County lose them. He stated he did not mind paying user fees for classes he had taken that were provided by the County and he would not object to paying increased user fees to keep these courses. Mr. Michael McKeever, a resident of Midlothian and a member of the Board of Theater IV, requested financial support of the organization in the amount of $15,000. He stated the organization not only entertains but maintains a high visibility in the school system and culturally enriches audiences as well. Ms. Pat Zabo, a member of the League of Women Voters of the Richmond Metropolitan Area, stated the League of Women Voters 87-233 appreciated the willingness of the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors and the County and School Administrators for devoting the time and effort to discussing the important issues facing the County, complimented staff on the well written and carefully documented presentation of the financial plan, urged a prompt appointment of the Committee on the Future of the County, recommended by the County Charter, so the County might pursue a more aggressive strategy for long-term planning, and stated that as a part of the priority for long-term planning the League recommended the Board consider the following issues for future financial planning in the County: 1.) examine all sources of revenue to evaluate whether the individual taxpayer is bearing a disproportionate share of financial funding; 2.) explore sources of economic development for the County, evaluating not only their potential revenue contribution but also their impact on the quality of life; 3.) review, evaluate and prioritize the quantity and quality of services offered to the citizens of the County; 4.) determine the impact of current salary and benefit programs on the retention and recruitment of high quality personnel at every level in each department of government; and 5.) evaluate the role of the Planning Department to determine if sufficient attention and resources are being given to strengthen the development of long-term planning. She stated the League is offering its resources of expertise and personnel to assist the Board in meeting the challenges of the future. Mr. William F. Mohr, a resident of Chesterfield County and a member of the Board of Directors for the Richmond Symphony, requested the Board's financial assistance and support of the group. He stated the Symphony performs for the schools, has a young performers program, performs 8 concerts for children, and provides other cultural, entertaining activities, all of which have participation from Chesterfield County citizens. He stated the Symphony is requesting assistance in the amount of $88,000. Ms. Sarah Gregory, Chairman of the Extension Citizens Advisory Board, expressed their appreciation for the Board's support of the Extension Program, which serves approximately 100,000 people. She stated as the County grows the demands for services in the Extension Office increase and they look forward to the Board's continued support. Mr. Mike Crowley, Executive Director of the Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts, stated the Carpenter Center is a non-profit civic organization, the home of the Richmond Symphony, the Virginia Ballet, the Virginia Opera and the presenters of major Broadway shows, many of the world's leading performing artists and cultural events. He stated for the past several years the Center has enjoyed the support of Chesterfield County that has allowed the attendance of County children and adults at many cultural events both entertaining and educational that they otherwise may have not experienced. He stated the Center operates almost entirely with private, individual and corporate contributions and the support it receives from Chesterfield County is vitally important in that it is not a donation but a contribution which provides the opportunity to return directly that benefit to the citizens of this County in more than just dollar for dollar value. He urged the Board to continue its support of the Carpenter Center so that they may continue to serve the citizens of Chesterfield County. 87-234 Mr. Daniel disclosed for the record that he is a member of the Board of Directors of the Carpenter Center but did not feel this involved a conflict of interest. Mr. Elwood Elliott, Chairman of the Camp Baker Management Board, requested continued support of Camp Baker at the level of $10,000, which is the level provided for the past two years. He stated he is not requesting an increase in funding and feels the past year, as well as the upcoming one, will be successful with the current level of funding. He stated 1986 was successful in that more than 200 mentally retarded and physically handicapped children and adults attended residential camping sessions, weekend respite care, etc; the Camp had been utilized by the Nursing Home, the Virginia Head Injury Foundation, initiated "Adopt A Grandparent Day", etc. He stated these funds are essential to attract other contributions on an on-going basis and the County's funding of this program is indicative to other organizations that there is a commitment from the County. Ms. Janet Alley complimented the Board for the County's splendid parks and recreation system and their continued support of it. She stated many people appreciate the outdoor environment of the parks as it provides resources and services in the area of natural history and is an alternative source of relaxation. She requested the Board's support for the funding of Parks and Recreation and expressed appreciation for those facilities which have been provided. Mr. John Leckie stated, as a participant of various Parks and Recreation activities, he feels the program is probably the finest of any neighboring counties or in the State. He stated the programs are diversified, appeal to all ages, are geared to providing alternative sources of relaxation as opposed to the television set, provide interesting activities, etc. He requested the Board's continued support of these innovative and creative programs. Mr. Jim Campbell, President of the Chesterfield Education Association, urged the Board to support and adopt the School Board's submitted budget. He stated the County is currently in the midst of a rapid population and business growth that will soon escalate and, in order to sustain this growth, citizens must be willing to do whatever is necessary to not only maintain but also to strengthen the school system. He stated one of the primary factors considered by both business and families when decided to locate/relocate in a community is the quality of the existing school system. He stated the proposed school budget is not laden with a lot of new and costly programs but reflects an effort by the School Board to responsibly restrain costs and would serve to maintain the current high standards that citizens have come to expect from its school system. He stated the County cannot begin to fall behind in its commitment to education as future costs to the County's children and budget would be devastating. Mr. Daniel submitted for the record a letter from Ms. Nancy Hudson, President of the Chesterfield County Council of PTA's, who supports the proposed funding of the School Budget or, if not, to at least maintain the quality of education level based on the 1986-87 level of service. Ms. Elsie Elmore, Chairman of the Chesterfield County/Colonial Heights Board of Social Services, expressed appreciation to the Board for the supplementary funding that enabled them to answer this fiscal year's increasing demands for State local hospitalization and purchase of service for clients and for the opportunity to have recently met with the Board to discuss its needs. She stated the projected financial plan for the upcoming year will support only the same level of services for the previous year and there are areas of additional need already pressing (purchase of services funds to serve an 87-235 increasing population in the upcoming year for daycare, companion services, residential treatment services, social workers to provide intensive services to families at risk, additional staff to absorb increased applications and to staff on-going cases; therapeutic group home for adolescents; etc). She read letters from two citizens expressing their appreciation for the assistance they and their family members receive from Social Services and requested these services not be reduced. Mr. Paul L. Basey, President of the Salem Church Athletic Association, stated the Parks and Recreation Department has worked jointly and cooperatively with them on many projects; however, many times budget constraints limit their ability to participate. He stated the Association is very much in need of County funding for its Youth Program and asked that the Board find some way to fund the needed services, particularly the liability insurance, for all sports. He expressed concern that the athletic associations not only have to rent gym facilities but also pay the custodian's salary. He stated he felt Irongate Park is an essential to the association as it generates revenue needed to support these services. He requested the Board to investigate the possibility of creating a Recreation and Park Center similar to Belmont Park in Henrico County. Ms. Betty Parker, a resident of Clover Hill District, stated she has always supported a well-funded educational system for the County but expressed concern regarding the funding of the School Budget. She stated enrollment projections for 1987-88 indicate there will be approximately 3,500 vacant elementary seats in the County which will be distributed between both old and new schools, the overcrowding at three schools will possibly necessitate the leasing of extra trailers to house students when there are several hundred vacant seats in adjacent schools, it is possible additional teachers may have to be hired to capacitate the overcrowding in these schools. She stated it appears to her that students in schools in the northern portion of the County have been moved from the City line westward to the high growth area and as a citizen she objects to being asked to pay twice for the same classroom seats - once for those in a school and again for seats in a trailer, when space is available in close proximity to the overcrowded northern area schools. She stated she feels she can support no more bonded indebtedness for schools until there is a true need and until the County properly uses that which it has. She requested, with deep concern for education, that someone review what the taxpayers are asked to fund. She stated she supports DARE and has been instructed by Providence PTA to state, on their behalf, they are fully supportive of the program also. Ms. Jo Trout, a resident of Clover Hill District, PTO President of the A. M. Davis Elementary School and First Vice President of the Providence Middle School PTA, a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Redistricting, addressed the 1987-88 school budget as it related to the redistricting decisions of the School Board. She stated she did not feel the redistrict- ing actions are cost effective or cost conscious and she stated she is unwilling to support a school budget that asks taxpayers to pay twice for the same classroom seats. She stated the overcrowding was not effectively addressed by the redistricting decisions made by the School Board and those decisions will now necessitate that the County include in its school budget the cost of trailers to be placed at existing facilities to capaci- tate students who are within a five mile radius of new schools that will be vacant with an excess of approximately 250 seats. She stated the County must evenly capacitate its existing school facilities and only then can the citizens be assured that the educational dollars will be spent for learning program, not debt service. Ms. Christy Ford, a resident of Clover Hill District, stated 87-236 she has children in Providence Middle School, Davis Elementary School and Manchester High School. She stated she believes in quality education and has supported almost everything the County has requested for schools but not any longer. She expressed strong concern for the condition of Manchester High School as well as the proposal for a new school in the area of Monacan High School. She stated the County should take care of its existing facilities and improve the programs. Mr. Jim Hendricks, representing the Clover Hill Elementary PTA, supported Ms. Jo Trout's statements/comments as well as whatever it takes to keep the existing educational programs in place in Chesterfield County. He stated he feels the recent actions of the School Board in allowing children to remain at overcrowded schools exhibits an inefficient utilization of resources when vacant classrooms are available. He stated he does not want teachers and educational programs eliminated to help pay for the cost of trailers, the incremental cost of utilities, heating, air conditioning, etc. He stated he does not want additional support staff for overcrowded schools, while support staff at half vacant schools are being underutilized. He questioned the action of the School Board to accomplish what is best for all of Chesterfield County schools. Ms. Marcy Horwitz, Director of Development for the Richmond Childrens' Museum, stated she was present seeking support from Chesterfield County ($7,000) for the services they provide to school age children. She stated they provide an introduction to the arts, nature and humanities, a hands on experience in museums, etc., which not only enhances their education and assists the school systems to stretch its own curricula with its offerings but also trains them to be culturally literate citizens of the community. Ms. Nancy Finch, a Midlothian District resident and President of the Monacan High School PTA, stated she was proud and delighted to know the Board is supportive of so many of the Metropolitan area activities that County residents enjoy. She stated she was present to address the School Board's recent action on redistricting and was distressed at what occurred. She stated her children have experienced relocation due to redistricting on two occasions and it was a very traumatic experience for the entire family. She asked that the Board not let the action of the School Board jeopardize the school budget as she would not like to see programs cut or teacher/student ratio changed. She stated she did not feel it unreasonable to expect to pay more to retain quality schools. Mr. Richard Hairfield requested the Board approve the proposed School Board budget despite the Board's actions on redistricting. He urged the Board to consider approval of the proposed budget to retain the quality standards of the educational system. Ms. Phyllis Hussey, President of the Robious Elementary PTA, voiced support of Ms. Nancy Hudson's letter from the County Council supporting the proposed school budget that is to maintain the current standards of education. Mr. John Cardea, Professor and Chairman of Orthopedic Surgery at the Medical College of Virginia, stated he has been involved in education for a number of years and supports education, the County Council's proposal to even increase taxes to maintain the level of education which may or may not have anything to do with building new buildings, school bonds, etc., and would encourage the Board to look at this very strongly. There being no one else to address the proposed 1987-88 Financial Plan, Mr. Daniel closed the public hearing. He again expressed appreciation to all those who were present to express their opinions/views on the advertised issues. 87-237 Mr. Applegate stated he would like the Administration, within the next week, to identify those items that are school related, either funds or requests, that actually exist on the general County side so the Board can get a true feeling of how much it is funding the schools in order to determine the actual costs are per child. He stated if there are 3,600 vacant seats, or the equivalent of 4 elementary schools, in the schools he feels someone is remiss in doing his job. He asked that staff provide statistics as to what the debt service on four elementary schools would be. Mr. Daniel concurred with Mr. Applegate's comments/statements. Mr. Dodd stated he supports education but he does not see how education can completely drain the County when there are other needs as indicated by the previous public input that need immediate and critical attention. He requested that the Board consider eliminating the machinery and tools tax entirely, as he felt it would discourage manufacturing, industry, jobs, etc., which sustain the County. He expressed concerns that the funding of mental health, as well as other programs, not be ignored or minimized, while continuing to fully fund educational needs, that the Federal and State funding of these programs not be reduced and that the Board consider the problem of those people who cannot continue to pay more and more taxes. Mr. Mayes requested that the Administration provide the Board with a total School Board indebtedness, including all the literary loans and other loans by category. He stated that within the resources that are available the County can maintain the excellent high level of existing school support if the Board scrutinizes what is available and how it is being used and can do this without raising taxes. 4. ADJOURNMEN~ On motion of Mr. Daniel, seconded by Mr. Dodd, the Board adjourned at 10:35 p.m. until 12:00 noon on April 8, 1987. Vote: Unanimous County Administrator Harry G/ Da~nfe~[ Cha f~-~n 87-238